Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Glaze

Name: Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Glaze
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 20 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds); 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 onion, quartered; 4 garlic cloves, crushed; Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage); 1 cup cranberry sauce; 1/2 cup orange juice; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Highlighted under: Festive Seasonal Food Favorites

This Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Glaze is a festive centerpiece that combines savory and sweet flavors, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Created by

Hannah Lewis

Last updated on 2025-12-30T18:07:34.101Z

Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Glaze is a delightful dish that brings together the juicy flavor of turkey with a tangy glaze that enhances its natural taste. It's a holiday classic that never fails to impress guests.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Savory turkey infused with aromatic herbs
Sweet and tangy cranberry glaze adds a unique twist
Perfect for family gatherings and festive occasions

      

A Festive Delight

Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Glaze is not just a meal; it's an experience that brings family and friends together. The enchanting aroma of herbs and roasted turkey fills the air, creating an inviting atmosphere perfect for holiday celebrations. This dish transforms an ordinary gathering into a memorable feast that everyone will look forward to year after year.

The combination of savory and sweet flavors elevates this turkey to new heights. The succulent turkey, infused with aromatic herbs, pairs beautifully with the sweet and tangy cranberry glaze. This unique twist not only enhances the flavor but also adds a pop of color to your holiday table, making it visually appealing.

Perfect for Any Occasion

While this dish shines during the holidays, it's versatile enough for any family gathering or festive occasion. Whether it's Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a summer barbecue, this Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Glaze is sure to impress your guests. With its rich flavors and stunning presentation, it will be the star of your dinner table.

Moreover, serving turkey can be a budget-friendly way to feed a large group. With just one whole turkey, you can create a feast that satisfies even the heartiest of appetites. Plus, the leftovers make for delicious sandwiches or salads the next day, ensuring that not a morsel goes to waste.

Tips for Success

To ensure your turkey turns out perfectly, start with a high-quality bird. Look for a fresh turkey, preferably organic, which will provide more flavor and tenderness. Don’t forget to let your turkey rest after roasting; this allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and flavorful turkey every time.

Basting the turkey every 30 minutes not only helps to keep it moist but also enhances the flavor. If you find the skin browning too quickly, tent the turkey with aluminum foil to prevent burning while it continues to cook. This technique helps achieve that perfect golden-brown exterior while ensuring the inside is cooked to perfection.

Ingredients

For the Turkey

1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 onion, quartered
4 garlic cloves, crushed
Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage)

For the Cranberry Glaze

1 cup cranberry sauce
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Ensure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor.

Instructions

Prepare the Turkey

Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Rinse the turkey under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Rub the turkey with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Stuff the cavity with onion, garlic, and fresh herbs.

Roast the Turkey

Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a roasting pan. Roast in the preheated oven for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Baste the turkey every 30 minutes with pan juices.

Make the Cranberry Glaze

While the turkey is roasting, combine cranberry sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and Dijon mustard in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the mixture is smooth and heated through, then reduce to a simmer.

Glaze the Turkey

During the last 30 minutes of roasting, brush the cranberry glaze over the turkey. Continue roasting until the turkey is golden brown and cooked through.

Rest and Serve

Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. Serve with additional cranberry glaze on the side.

Enjoy your delicious roasted turkey with family and friends!

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Glaze with traditional sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and green beans for a classic holiday meal. A fresh garden salad or roasted seasonal vegetables can add a refreshing touch to the table. Don't forget to serve the cranberry glaze on the side for guests to drizzle over their turkey slices.

For a festive drink, consider offering a sparkling cider or a light white wine, which complements the sweet and savory notes of the turkey. Set the table with elegant decorations, and you’ll create an atmosphere that enhances the joy of sharing a meal together.

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Glaze, ensure you store any leftovers properly to maintain freshness. Allow the turkey to cool completely before carving it into slices. Store the turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The cranberry glaze can also be stored in a separate container, making it easy to enjoy later.

For longer storage, consider freezing the turkey. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven to retain its moisture and flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I prepare the turkey the night before?

Yes, you can season and stuff the turkey and refrigerate it overnight.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

→ Can I use a different glaze?

Absolutely! You can experiment with various fruit glazes or marinades.

→ What sides pair well with this turkey?

Traditional sides like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and stuffing work great!